In this field-based investigation, students survey vegetation and small animal diversity in a study plot. They calculate the biomass of different organisms, and create a habitat action plan based on their data. A student data sheet is included. This...(View More) activity is supported by a textbook chapter, "Seeking Biodiversity," part of the unit Losing Biodiversity, in Global Systems Science (GSS), an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact.(View Less)

This textbook chapter tells the story of DDT and the the near-extinction of the Perigrine Falcon. The role of the Rachel Carson's best-seller, Silent Spring, and the role of research in the recent recovery of bird populations in the United States...(View More) are highlighted. Wildlife biologist Janet Linthicum and her work with Perigrine Falcons is profiled. The resource includes a link to current news articles and a teacher's guide. This is the sixth chapter in the unit, Losing Biodiversity, examining the endangerment and extinction of entire species of plants and animals throughout the world due to human actions. The resource is part of Global System Science (GSS), an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact.(View Less)

In this activity, students learn how different classes of topographic features reflect light in characteristic ways, and how data captured by satellite sensors can be used to measure vegetation cover. They are introduced to the NDVI (Normalized...(View More) Difference Vegetation Index) and use software to create a graph comparing the NDVI values in different parts of the map. The analysis results in a histogram, showing percentage NDVI values for the image. Required satellite images and software are accessed through a Web link on the Global System Science website. This activity is supported by a textbook chapter, "Losing Tropical Rain Forests," part of the unit, A New World View, in Global Systems Science (GSS), an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact.(View Less)

This is an activity about the discovery of water ice on Mars. Learners will create physical models using Earth samples to answer the question, "is it more likely that high altitude regions of Mars are composed of icy dirt (with ice filling the pore...(View More) space of soils) or dirty ice (with dust sprinkled through a mostly icy surface)?" Included are teacher and student guides and a powerpoint with gamma ray spectrophotometric imagery of the North Arctic of Mars. This is the 3rd of 5 activities in Buried Water Ice on Mars.(View Less)

In this laboratory activity, students investigate chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) through gradual dilution of black, green and chamomile tea. Through this activity, students discover how CDOM can dominate the absorption of sunlight, how...(View More) sunlight degrades CDOM through photochemical oxidation, and how CDOM levels are related to nutrient status, stratification and mixing of the ocean. Materials needed include coffee mugs, hot water, spoons, and tea. This resource is found in Rising Tides, a journal created for teachers and students reporting on current oceanography research conducted by NASA, NOAA, and university scientists, featuring articles, classroom activities, readings, teacher/student questions, and imagery for student investigation of marine science.(View Less)

In this laboratory activity, students experiment with becomes CO² concentrations in water as a prelude to investigating the marine carbon cycle. The activity includes a worksheet and assessment questions. Tap water, ocean water (real or simulated),...(View More) universal indicator solution, beakers and straws are required materials. This resource is found in Rising Tides, a journal created for teachers and students reporting on current oceanography research conducted by NASA, NOAA, and university scientists, featuring articles, classroom activities, readings, teacher/student questions, and imagery for student investigation of marine science.(View Less)

In this lab activity, students examine phytoplankton and picophytoplankton under a microscope and learn how to use a stage micrometer to measure microscopic specimens. Resources needed include a microscope, slides, coverslips, a stage micrometer,...(View More) and a phytoplankton/picophytoplankton sample obtained from a biological supply company. The lesson is supported by science content found in the journal, Rising Tides, focusing on current oceanography research conducted by scientists at NASA, NOAA, NASA, and universities. Rising Tides contains articles, classroom activities, readings, teacher/student questions, imagery and more designed for the biology/environmental/earth science classroom.(View Less)

In this activity, students learn about the molecular techniques used to study picoeukaryotes, and are led through a paper and pencil simulation of a Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) procedure performed on picoeukaryote DNA. The lesson...(View More) is supported by science content found in the journal, Rising Tides, focusing on current oceanography research conducted by scientists at NASA, NOAA, NASA, and universities. Rising Tides contains articles, classroom activities, readings, teacher/student questions, imagery and more designed for the biology/environmental/earth science classroom.(View Less)

In this data analysis activity, students will obtain snow cover and surface temperature data for a locale in Alaska, plot the data, investigate seasonal trends in snow cover, and the relationship between snow cover and surface temperature at that...(View More) locale. Step-by-step instructions for use of the MY NASA DATA Live Access Server (LAS) guide students through selecting a data set, importing the data into a spreadsheet, creating graphs, and analyzing data plots. The lesson provides detailed procedures, related links and sample graphs, follow-up questions, extensions, and teacher notes. Designed for student use, MY NASA DATA LAS samples micro datasets from large scientific data archives, and provides structured investigations engaging students in exploration of real data to answer real world questions.(View Less)